The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that 16 officers of the Nigerian Armed Forces accused of acts of indiscipline and alleged coup plotting will be tried before a special military court-martial.
In a statement released in Abuja, the Director of Defence Information, Major-General Samaila Uba, disclosed that a Special Investigative Panel set up by the DHQ has concluded its probe into the matter and forwarded its findings to the appropriate superior authority in line with existing military regulations.
According to the DHQ, the investigation thoroughly examined the conduct of the affected officers and established that some have cases to answer, including allegations bordering on an attempt to overthrow the government. Such actions, the military said, are inconsistent with the ethics, values and professional standards expected of members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).
Major-General Uba recalled that the DHQ had announced the arrest of the 16 officers in October 2025 for breaches of service regulations and acts of indiscipline. He stressed that the investigation was conducted in accordance with established military procedures to ensure fairness and due process.
The Defence spokesman emphasised that the ongoing actions are purely disciplinary and part of internal institutional mechanisms aimed at preserving discipline, cohesion and operational effectiveness within the Armed Forces. He added that the court-martial proceedings will be conducted under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant service regulations.
Reaffirming the AFN’s commitment to professionalism, loyalty and respect for constitutional authority, the DHQ assured the public that due process and fairness would be strictly observed throughout the proceedings.
Sources disclosed that the officers currently in custody include Brigadier General Musa Sadiq; Colonels and Lieutenant Colonels drawn from various regular courses; several Majors and Captains; as well as officers from the Navy and the Air Force. Most of the accused are said to belong to the Infantry, Signals and Ordnance Corps.
Nigeria’s long history of military interventions in politics has made allegations of coup plotting particularly sensitive, heightening public interest in the outcome of the case.
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